U.S. Congressman Frank Pallone Jr., whose district includes part of Monmouth County, has announced that Sandy Hook will not be raising its camping and parking fees in 2017.
In August, Pallone wrote to National Park Service Director Jonathan B. Jarvis and urged the NPS to withdraw its proposal to increase Sandy Hook’s fees. At Pallone’s request, NPS held a public hearing on the fee increases during which New Jersey residents expressed their opposition, according to a press release from the congressman’s office.
“I am pleased NPS listened to the voices of New Jerseyans and withdrew its proposal to increase fees,” Pallone said. “The proposed increase would have been an additional financial burden to the individuals and families who enjoy visiting Sandy Hook, and could potentially damage the local economy, which relies in part on tourism.
“We should be looking at ways to encourage more visitors to the parks, in turn helping the surrounding economies. I am confident NPS’ decision will help keep Sandy Hook affordable for working families,” he said.
For most vehicles, beach parking is currently $15 per day or $75 per season. For oversized vehicles (more than 20 feet), the charge is $30 per day or $150 per season.
The proposed increases would have placed fees at $20 per day and $100 per season, with $50 per day and $200 a season for oversized cars. This would have marked the second fee increase at the park in five years, according to the press release.
